Dijon (France) > Reviews > My year abroad!

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around

Advantages:	Centre small enough to get around on foot, pretty
Disadvantages:	What disadvantages?? !  !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I spent a year in Dijon during my university year abroad and despite my distinct homesickness and sheer glee to get out of the place once July 2003 came around, this shouldn't reflect badly on the beautiful city itself.

First things first for a tourist; there are an abundance of really nice, cosy yet resonable hotels/ guesthouses. There a few grotty ones too, particulary on Avenue Maréchal Foch, but a really nice hotel can be found on a quiet Dijon back street. Can't remember the name of the hotel, but it's on Rue Verrerie, parallel with Rue de la Préfecture (where I used to live!!).

Ok, sightseeing wise, there is a lot to see. If you are ok with heights, you must go to the top of La Tour Philippe Le Bon, in the middle of the fine arts museum grounds (Musée des Beaux arts), on the main road through, Rue de la Liberté. It's high but on a clear day, gives a great view. Wouldn't recommend it so much on a dull day and definitely not on a windy day! But it's well worth a look. As is the Musée des beaux arts itself, full of fine art and sculpture, but allow a day to do so cause it takes a while.

There are several other museums to visit, all of which worth a look if you've got the time. If your stay's a fleeting one however, go for Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, a semi working museum as per the Black Country Living Museum in the Midlands over here. Also the Musée de la Moutarde, of course, Dijon's famous for its mustard so don't miss this one. (To visit you have to go to the tourist office on Avenue Maréchal Foch).

There are some nice parks in the city, Parc Darcy in the centre being one and the Botanical Gardens just a 10 minute walk from the tourist office being a lovely one (where all the locals go). If you happen to have time to sunbathe, go there!

There's a vault/tomb in the cathedral, which can be visited free of charge and that is extremely eery but well worth a visit if you're brave enough and above all else, you must, if you visit any place in France, but particularly Dijon, sit out in front of one of the many cafés sipping whatever takes your fancy. I recommend Café du Moulin by the water fountain and carousel in Rue François Rude. In winter they even have hot chestnuts for sale there too (if you like them!)

Also, if you're about in winter, the christmas markets are a must, with all sorts of gifts and trinkets from all over France and Europe.

Dijon really is a beautiful city, with lots to do and see. I truly recommend everyone to visit and rather than cramming in as much sightseeing as possible, sit for a bit and watch the romantic French world go by.